EU summit nominates von der Leyen for second term as Commission President
Kallas spoke of a "great responsibility in this time of geopolitical tensions." As the greatest challenges in European foreign policy, she named the war in Ukraine and the "increasing instability in our neighborhood and around the world."
The Portuguese Costa congratulated Leyen and Kallas on their nomination. "I will fully commit myself to the unity among the 27 member states," the Social Democrat promised, who is set to succeed Belgian Charles Michel on the 1st of this year.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) congratulated Leyen, Kallas, and Costa and described their nomination on the X online platform as "an important signal." "With them, we can move quickly and effectively forward," Scholz added.
Six representatives from Conservatives, Social Democrats, and Liberals had agreed on the personnel package in advance - among them German Chancellor Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized this approach sharply. "Europe is an oligarchy," she said of the agreements, in which her right-wing faction was not involved.
The Italian prime minister abstained from the vote on Leyen's nomination, according to diplomatic sources. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had previously made his rejection of the personnel package clear. However, a qualified majority of 15 EU countries, representing 65 percent of the European population, was sufficient.
The necessary absolute majority of 361 of the 720 MEPs in the European Parliament, however, is less secure for the 65-year-old Leyen. "Our intention is that the political platform, which the woman from Leyen carried in the past, should also do so in the future," said Chancellor Scholz, looking at the European People's Party (EVP), Social Democrats, and Liberals in the European Parliament.
The three groups continue to have a majority in the newly elected European Parliament. Given the absence of a faction discipline, dissenters are likely. The election of Leyen will take place at the earliest in the first session in mid-July.
- Kaja Kalla, speaking in Brussels, emphasized the "great responsibility" during this period of geopolitical tensions, citing the war in Ukraine and increasing instability as significant challenges.
- Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa congratulated Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kalla on their nominations, pledging his commitment to maintaining unity among the 27 EU member states.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a member of the SPD, congratulated Leyen, Kallas, and Costa, describing their nomination as a significant indication on the X online platform.
- Six European leaders from different political groups, including Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, agreed on the personnel package ahead of the EU summit.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her discontent with this approach, labeling it an "oligarchy," as her faction was not involved in the agreements.
- Despite Meloni's criticism, she abstained from the vote on Leyen's nomination, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly stated his opposition to the personnel package.
- Scholz emphasized the importance of Leyen's political platform, which he hoped would continue to provide guidance, looking specifically at the European People's Party, Social Democrats, and Liberals in the European Parliament.
- With a majority in the newly elected European Parliament, Leyen's election is scheduled for the first session in mid-July, though potential dissenters may present challenges to securing the absolute majority required for her election.
